Stadler has secured an order to build two additional hybrid metre-gauge locomotives for Transports de la région Morges–Bière–Cossonay (MBC), strengthening the operator’s freight capabilities and supporting the canton of Vaud’s environmental objectives. The new locomotives will operate on the Bière–Apples–Morges line from the end of 2028 and are designed to advance the region’s long-term modal shift strategy.
The hybrid vehicles will draw power from overhead lines on the main rail network and switch to diesel engines within the gravel pits, enabling flexible operations across MBC’s freight routes. The latest order follows MBC’s purchase of a first locomotive in late 2024, bringing the total fleet to three.
“We are delighted to be building a total of three vehicles for MBC. The order underlines our expertise in the field of tailor-made vehicles. I would like to thank MBC for their trust and excellent cooperation,” said Frédéric Evequoz, Tailormade Sales Manager at Stadler. “The new locomotives are an important step towards climate-friendly freight transport in the canton of Vaud.”
High-performance design for metre-gauge freight operations
The 64-tonne, 17-metre locomotives offer a maximum speed of 80 km/h and are purpose-built for the demands of narrow-gauge freight transport. With a starting tractive effort of 220 kN and a power output of up to 3 MW, the locomotives can operate efficiently on challenging gradients and tight geometries typical of metre-gauge lines.
They are also designed for roll-on/roll-off movements, allowing standard-gauge wagons to be carried on special transporter rollers along the metre-gauge network. Delivery of the new locomotives is scheduled for late 2028.
Expanding freight capacity and replacing ageing vehicles
MBC will deploy the locomotives to replace older units and expand its freight operations as part of a broader cantonal initiative to shift more goods from road to rail. The aim is to reduce heavy vehicle traffic and cut CO₂ emissions by promoting sustainable logistics across the Morges district.
“The shift from road to rail freight transport is a significant step forward for the environment and will reduce traffic on the roads in the Morges district by some 20,000 lorries per year,” emphasised Pierre-Alain Perren, Managing Director of MBC.
Part of a shared Swiss narrow-gauge locomotive platform
The MBC locomotives belong to a standardised narrow-gauge locomotive family developed jointly by Stadler and several Swiss railways. Montreux–Berner Oberland-Bahn (MOB), Rhaetian Railway (RhB) and Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGBahn) have also placed orders for locomotives of this type.
This coordinated approach enables operators to benefit from shared development, production and maintenance efficiencies while still tailoring each vehicle to specific regional requirements.
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